Let’s be honest–whether you’re grinding through schoolwork, getting lost in your favorite games, or just streaming random stuff late into the night, you need a laptop that can keep up. And yeah, picking the right one? It’s really confusing. Do you spring for a bigger screen? Is a dedicated graphics card actually worth it?
That’s where we come in.
We’ve tested all the laptops on this list ourselves, so these aren’t just specs pulled from a product page. They’re real recommendations, based on hands-on experience.
PROMOTION
Buying a Laptop? This Deal’s Next:
Power up your new laptop with Office 2021 Pro Plus. Save 15% using code PCW15 — exclusive for PCWorld readers. One-time purchase & Instant Delivery. Lifetime Access plus Moneyback Guarantee.
We’ve cut through the clutter to bring you the top picks across every category–from sleek, no-fuss Chromebooks to powerhouse gaming machines.
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – Best overall
![Asus Zenbook 14 OLED - Best overall](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1500" height="1000"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Pros
- Attractive OLED touchscreen
- Good CPU and integrated GPU performance
- Outstanding battery life
Cons
- Blah design
- Keyboard isn’t memorable
- Mediocre connectivity options
Who should buy the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED?
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is honestly one of the most well-rounded laptops we’ve come across in a while, which is why we think it’s a great choice for just about anyone. The 14-inch 1200p OLED touchscreen is sharp, vibrant, and a joy to behold. Inside you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 5 155H processor, which keeps everything running nice and smooth. Plus, at just under three pounds, it makes the perfect travel companion. The battery lasts all day, too–over 16 hours if you’re wondering!
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED: Further considerations
The Zenbook 14 OLED is missing some ports (no Ethernet and limited USB-A) and the glossy OLED screen can be a pain to use outside or in bright rooms. But overall, the good stuff drastically outweighs the downsides. This is a great laptop.
Read our full Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review
Acer Aspire Go 15 – Best budget laptop
Pros
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Good display visibility
Cons
- Big and bulky
- Cheap build
- Limited performance
Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15?
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a cheap and easy laptop that does the basics. It’s good for browsing, emails, and streaming shows. Plus, with about 12 hours of battery, you won’t need to go searching for an outlet.
The appeal mostly lies in its value, though. While more expensive laptops nail the polish and the speed, the budget variety is strictly about what’s functional and that’s exactly what you’re getting here. It’s a good option for students or anyone seeking a reliable, no-frills machine under $500.
You’ll also find a surprisingly generous port selection on the Acer Aspire Go 15–USB-A on both sides, a USB-C, an HDMI, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. That’s more than what some laptops get twice the price.
Acer Aspire Go 15: Further considerations
Like many laptops in the budget category, the Aspire Go 15’s got a few trade-offs to be aware of. The chassis is made of plastic, though that’s part of what keeps the cost down–cheaper materials. It also weighs a little over four pounds. Sure, it’s not the lightest machine in the world, but this is such a minor nitpick and it’s still fine for day-to-day portability. The 1920×1080 display also isn’t very bright, but it’s sharp enough for day-to-day usability.
Read our full Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition – Best battery life
![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition - Best battery life](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="2560" height="1920"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Pros
- Over 24 hours of battery life (in our standard test)
- Good build quality
- Snappy desktop performance
- 2-in-1 experience with pen
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Lunar Lake’s low multithreaded performance is an issue for some workflows
Who should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1?
If you want a laptop that just keeps on trucking along, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 blew us away with its crazy-long battery life. PCWorld clocked it at just over 24 hours—closer to 25—so you won’t be stuck hunting for outlets throughout the day.
Stamina aside, it’s also very portable at under three pounds. Add in the flexible 2-in-1 design and a seriously good keyboard, and you’ve got a laptop built to keep up with real life stuff.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1: Further considerations
There’s a lot to love here, but it’s not cheap ($2,336 as tested). And if you want a built-in SD card reader, for instance, you’ll need to pick up a dongle. But if you need a professional laptop that truly lasts, this is it.
Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition review
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 – Best Chromebook
![Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 - Best Chromebook](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1200" height="800"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Pros
- Zippy processor performance
- Nice keyboard
- A wide array of connectivity options
- Chic design
Cons
- Battery life isn’t competitive
- The display’s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped
![Best Buy](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="4167" height="2436"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?
If you’re in the market for a reliable, good-looking Chromebook for everyday use, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 has it all. This machine will run daily tasks just fine thanks to its Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The 14-inch 1080p display also looks sharp, and the 1080p webcam is perfect for Zoom calls.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations
While the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 offers smooth performance and a pretty design, there are minor trade-offs to be aware of like the non-competitive battery life (13 hours) and the lack of a touchscreen. You’ll also need to be comfortable with ChromeOS. If you prefer Windows or macOS, we’d recommend looking elsewhere.
Read our full Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 review
MacBook Air (M3) – Best MacBook
![MacBook Air (M3) - Best MacBook](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="4032" height="3024"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- 256GB SSD is now two NAND chips, maintaining performance
Cons
- Expensive memory upgrades
- Dual external display support requires closed lid
Who should buy the MacBook Air (M3)?
The MacBook Air (M3) if you’re after a quiet and powerful machine that won’t completely murder your wallet. It can handle daily use and light creative work no problem thanks to the zippy M3 chip. The battery also lasts up to 19 hours and the 15-inch Liquid Retina display is lovely to look at, though it’s not as bright as the one on the MacBook Pro. It’s thin and light, too–it’s just over three pounds.
MacBook Air (M3): Further considerations
Need a powerhouse for 3D rendering or video editing? The MacBook Pro (not the Air) is better equipped for those tasks. For the everyday stuff like checking e-mail and scrolling through your Facebook feed, the MacBook Air will deliver on that front.
Read our full MacBook Air (M3) review
Lenovo Legion 5i – Best gaming laptop
Pros
- Great GeForce RTX 4060 performance
- Good build quality
- Nice cooling and vent positioning
Cons
- Display is a little dim
Who should buy the Lenovo Legion 5i?
Want solid gaming performance without breaking the bank? The Lenovo Legion 5i hits that sweet spot. It’s rocking an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4060 GPU, so expect high frame rates on modern games at 1080p. Plus, that 165Hz screen? Makes everything look sharp and buttery smooth.
Lenovo Legion 5i: Further considerations
There are some nice extras worth noting. The first is a 1080p webcam with a physical shutter and the second is a full-sized keyboard with a number pad. It might not seem like much on paper, but these things are important and further add to the value as a whole.
Read our full Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 review
Acer Nitro V 16 – Best budget gaming laptop
Pros
- Fast performance
- Fast 165Hz display with good colors
Cons
- Fully plastic build
- Mushy keyboard
Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16?
If you’re after a gaming laptop that won’t totally decimate your wallet, the Acer Nitro V 16 is an awesome pick. Powered by an RTX 4060 GPU and a Ryzen 7 CPU, you can run most modern games at 1080p no problem. It’s not trying to be a high-end powerhouse, but that’s kind of the point.
The 16-inch 1200p display is quick and smooth thanks to its 165Hz refresh rate, which makes a big difference whether you’re in a fast-paced game or just scrolling around. For around $1,000, you’re getting solid performance without all the extra fluff. It’s a good, no-nonsense pick if you just want to play games and get on with your day.
Acer Nitro V 16: Further considerations
The thing about the Nitro V 16 is that it really leans into the gamer aesthetic with its sharp lines and glowing keyboard. If you dig that style, cool. If not, this might not be the laptop for you. The battery life lasts about four hours, which is typical for a laptop in this category, but you probably can’t game untethered–at least not for very long!
Read our full Acer Nitro V 16 review
Asus ProArt P16 – Best content creation laptop
Pros
- Big touchpad with virtual scroll wheel
- Gorgeous 4K OLED display
- More connectivity than the competition
- Good battery life
Cons
- Chassis is light, but doesn’t look remarkable
- CPU performance falls behind the best
- Can get hot under load
Who should buy the Asus ProArt P16?
If you want sharp, gorgeous visuals and a laptop that can handle some serious work, the Asus ProArt P16 is a solid pick.
The 16-inch 3840×2400 screen makes everything look awesome — whether you’re editing photos or just watching movies. Inside, it’s got an Intel Core i9 CPU and an RTX 4070 GPU, so it can easily handle heavy stuff like video editing. Battery life is pretty good too, around nine hours, so you’re not stuck hunting for an outlet all day. And with USB 4.0, moving big files is quick and painless. All in all, it’s a great machine if you want power without the fuss.
Asus ProArt P16: Further considerations
Performance and display quality are the standout features here, of course, but understated design deserves a mention too. Some may find the all-black chassis too plain while others find it elegant. Also, under heavy workloads, the chassis can run a little warm.
Read our full Asus ProArt P16 review
Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) – Best ultraportable
Pros
- Compact and well-built
- Good office performance
- All Copilot Plus features available
- Good battery life
Cons
- Narrow screen to work on
- No HDR support
- No charger included
Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)?
If you’re always bouncing between places—on the train, working from coffee shops, or just working around the house—the Surface Pro 2025 is kind of perfect. It’s super light (1.51 pounds!) and still powerful enough to handle all the usual stuff like emails and Zoom calls.
With its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, it’s great for anyone who wants something that works like a laptop but feels like a tablet. You can doodle or get work done, all without feeling like you’re lugging around a heavy brick.
Microsoft Surface Pro (2025): Further considerations
The compact screen won’t suit everyone for full-time multitasking, and there are only two USB-C ports (you’ll want a dock or hub). Also, while battery life can stretch surprisingly far, it varies widely. Expect around two hours at full brightness under heavy use or up to 19 hours with lighter tasks.
Still, if your work mostly lives in the cloud and you value portability above raw power, this is the best ultraportable Windows device you can get right now.
Read our full Microsoft Surface Pro 2025 review
MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo – Best 2-in-1 laptop
Pros
- Spectacular battery life
- Attractive and robust design
- Plenty of RAM and solid-state storage for the price
Cons
- Cramped keyboard and touchpad
- IPS touchscreen’s image quality doesn’t stand out
- Lackluster CPU and GPU performance
Who should buy the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo?
If you want a 2-in-1 that’s easy to take anywhere and just keeps going, the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo is a solid choice. It gets almost 21 hours of battery life, which means you can pretty much forget about charging all day. Honestly, that alone makes life easier. This is a great pick if you’re always on the go and don’t want to be tied to a wall outlet.
MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo: Further considerations
The chassis is primarily plastic, which isn’t a huge deal in the short term, but durability may be affected over time. The keyboard’s also got a compact layout, which may be uncomfortable if you’ve got bigger hands, and the audio quality is average at best.
Read our full MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo review
Framework Laptop 13 (2025) – Best laptop for upgrading
Pros
- Repairable and upgradeable
- Great keyboard
- Display is easy on the eyes
Cons
- High up-front cost
- Battery life lags way behind
- Not quite seamless design
Who should buy the Framework Laptop 13 (2025)?
Need a laptop that’s super easy to upgrade and tough enough to stick around? The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is where it’s at. You can swap out pretty much anything—RAM, storage, even the motherboard if you want. It runs on an AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor and is slim enough to toss in your bag and go wherever.
Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Further considerations
The price might sting a bit upfront, and the built-in graphics are okay for everyday stuff, but don’t expect much gaming performance. Battery life’s decent, but nothing groundbreaking.
Read our full Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review
Other notable laptops we’ve tested
These laptops didn’t crack the top of our list, but they’re still worth a look.
The Asus Zenbook A14 brings a gorgeous OLED touchscreen, sturdy build, and battery life that lasts a good while. The Alienware 16 Area-51 is a powerhouse gaming laptop with top-tier Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics, and premium features like a mechanical keyboard. And then there’s the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro with its 16-inch AMOLED screen that’s pure eye candy, plus battery life that can stretch past 20 hours if you play your cards right.
How we test laptops
The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we’ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests.
For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out how PCWorld tests laptops.
Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop reviews and buying advice
It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We’re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Who curated this article?
Hi, I’m Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you’ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I’m also really into the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed–from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I’m not deep in the world of tech, you’ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.
How to choose the best laptop
What’s the best laptop style?
Regular ones are fine for everyday stuff. 2-in-1s are cool because the screen flips around. Chromebooks are cheap and good if you mostly do web browsing.
How much power?
Depends on what you’re doing. For basic web or email, an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 works fine. If you’re into video editing or creative stuff, an i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 is better. And if you’re handling heavy 4K editing or lots of apps, a Ryzen 9 is your best bet.
Discrete graphics vs. integrated graphics?
If you’re gaming or editing videos, you want a proper graphics card (like Nvidia or AMD) for better performance. But if you’re just browsing or watching stuff, the built-in integrated graphics work just fine.
How much RAM?
8GB of RAM is plenty for most stuff. If you’re gaming, 16GB is better, and 32GB will keep you covered for a while. Content creators should try to get as much RAM as they can.
What’s the right display size?
If you’re doing video editing or a bunch of media stuff, go for a bigger screen, like 15 to 17 inches. But for most people, 13 to 14 inches hits the sweet spot. Bigger screens mean heavier laptops, so 13 or 14 inches is usually the best combination of portability and value.
Battery-life expectations
If you’re gonna carry your laptop around, try to get one that lasts 10 to 12 hours on a charge. That’s usually enough for a long flight or a full day of classes. Some of the new Snapdragon laptops are even crushing that, with one going up to 25 hours thanks to their super-efficient chips. Just remember, bigger batteries usually mean heavier laptops. (Also, check out our roundup of the best laptop chargers.)
Laptop pricing guide
Good laptops usually run $500 to $750, but if you’re on a budget, Chromebooks or basic business laptops under $500 work fine. Around $750 to $1,000 gets you better screens and more power. Over $1,000 means premium build and performance.
Gaming laptops cost more (expect $1,000+ for decent 1080p gaming). Better graphics and features can push prices into the thousands, but $1,200 to $2,000 usually gets you a powerful rig.
Don’t forget the ports
I like laptops with lots of ports so you don’t need adapters. Having both USB-C and USB-A is great, and an HDMI port is a bonus and super handy for hooking up to a monitor.
FAQ
What is the best laptop?
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is probably the best all-around choice for most folks. It costs about $850, runs smoothly, lasts forever on a charge (like 16 hours!), and has a nice, vibrant 14-inch 1200p OLED screen.
What is the best cheap laptop?
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is PCWorld’s favorite budget pick. It’s cheap, runs well, and won’t die on you halfway through the day. It’s got an Intel Core i3-N305, a nice 1080p screen, and battery life that’s better than you’d expect at this price.
What is the best gaming laptop?
The Lenovo Legion 5i nails that performance-for-the-price vibe. With an i9 and RTX 4060, it handles heavy games like Metro Exodus just fine. The 16-inch screen is sharp and smooth, even if it’s not OLED-level flashy. It’s a great pick if you want power without overspending.
When is the best time to buy a laptop?
The best time to snag a laptop is usually around big sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Back-to-school season’s also solid, lots of deals pop up with students in mind.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop (or convertible) is basically a laptop that can flip, fold, or detach into a tablet. You get a touchscreen, a full keyboard when you need it, and tablet mode for browsing or sketching. They’re a hit with students and creatives who want a bit of everything in one device.
Related content
- PCWorld laptop reviews
- What’s new when shopping for a laptop in 2025? 8 things to keep in mind
- When PC vendors tell you what’s going on with tariffs, pay attention
- How to try a new laptop at home before you commit to buying it
- How to properly wipe your laptop data before getting rid of it
- 4 eco-friendly ways to get rid of a laptop
- Battery life on gaming laptops doesn’t have to suck anymore
- Best laptops for college students 2025: Top picks and expert advice
- Best gaming laptops under $1,000: Expert picks that won’t break the bank
Author: Ashley Biancuzzo, Associate Editor, PCWorld
Ashley Biancuzzo manages all laptop and Chromebook coverage for PCWorld. She's been covering consumer tech since 2016, and her work has appeared on USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading science fiction, and hanging out with her rescue greyhound.